Rejoicing in Bendigo's new citizens

COMMUNITY spirit will be sky high on Saturday, when Bendigonians gather at Lake Weeroona to take part in Australia Day celebrations.

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is co-ordinated by the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst and funded by the City of Greater Bendigo.

Official proceedings kick off at 10.30am and include a flag-raising ceremony conducted by the Navy Cadets.

About 36 people from countries including the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Sudan and South Africa will be naturalised in an Australian citizenship ceremony.

Speeches will be conducted by Mayor Lisa Ruffell, CEO Mr Craig Niemann, Citizen of the Year winners Amethyst Downing and Linda Beiharz and Rotary Club president Doug Lougoon.

Councillors, local members of Parliament and guide and scouts groups will also be in attendance to assist with the proceedings. Luke Owens is this year’s Australia Day ambassador.

Bendigo Sandhurst Rotary Club member Peter Rainey said everyone was welcome to attend the event.

“It is a great family day where people can reflect on what it means to be an Australian citizen,” he said.

He said there would be plenty of entertainment on hand to keep the kids occupied, including face painting, arts and craft and prize giveaways.

Performing on the main stage are bands CODE One, Bendigo Independent Musos and the Brave Babes.

A range of community groups will attend including the volunteer coast guard, wildlife rescue groups and Amnesty International.

There will be a market, with stall holders displaying arts and craft and local produce, while classic and vintage cars will be exhibited from the Astronomical Society.

A barbecue and refreshments will be available for lunch.

Australia Day events guide

Axedale

Barbecue breakfast and entertainment starting at 8am and the official ceremony at 8.45am.

Venue: Axedale Hall Park, High Street, Axedale.

Contact: Yvonne at Axedale Our Town Our Future Inc on 0417 318 246.

Bendigo

From 9am to 5pm.

Venue: Lake Weeroona, Napier Street, Bendigo.

Contact: 5434 6000.

Pool Party

The Bendigo Aquatic Centre Pool Party is proudly presented by MIC UP Productions, the City of Greater Bendigo and the FReeZA Program Committee. Music will be the focus of the day and entry will be free all day on Australia Day.

Venue: Bendigo Aquatic Centre, Barnard Street.

Lamington Sale

All funds raised by the lamington sale will be donated to The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation so it can continue teaching marginalised children to read and write.

Venue: Officeworks Bendigo, 297-305 Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo.

Eaglehawk

Free breakfast, official ceremony at 9.30am and Eaglehawk Citizens of the Year will be announced.

From 8.45am to 11.45am. Flag-raising ceremony coordinated by Girgarre Community Cottage.

Venue: Girgarre Reserve, Winter Road.

Goornong

Celebrations from 4pm to 9pm.

Beach Party in the Bush, free barbecue, activities, entertainment and Citizen of the Year presentations.

Venue: Goornong Swimming Pool, Bagshot Street, Goornong.

Golden Square

Advance Australia Fair at Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged.

From noon an Australia Day lunch will be held for residents, their friends and families, with a barbecue served by staff. After lunch local band RayDar will entertain the crowd with their unique take on 40s and 50s music.

Camp Quality Australia Day celebrations with local bands, whip cracker, face painting, horseshoe throwing competition, barbecue, auctions, horse and buggy bush rides and much more. There will be a bush theme, with a major prize for the craziest Aussie outfit. Cost is $10 per person or corporate packages available for $35 per person including the first drink and finger food all day. Bring your own deckchair, blanket and shade.